3 Luxe Hotels Opening This Summer In Greece That You Should Know

The Canaves Oia properties in Santorini already dominate the terraced whitewashed landscape of the prime northwest corner of the island and have undergone steady improvements over the last few years, including the introduction of eight separate, spacious Sunday Suites last year. But in May, the group is opening its most luxurious outpost, Canaves Oia Epitome.

A suite terrace at Canaves Oia Epitome.

Christos Drazos

As befits its name, it’s the most private, tucked away on the northern part of the island, outside of the town of Oia, with space around each villa, not stacked next to other hotels as even the most expensive hotels in this part of the island are. The location just above Ammoudi Beach is positioned to take in the famous sunset views that crowds gather nearby to watch. All 24 villas have pools and there is a larger infinity pool for the resort complete with private cabanas.

Canaves Oia Epitome suite interior.

Christos Drazos

As soothing as it is outdoors with large private terraces for taking in the caldera views, so is it indoors. The gray, beige and white designed but not fussy interiors are punctuated by natural woods and stone. And for further de-stressing, there are daily yoga sessions available to guests.

The typical Cyclades architecture visible in a Katikies suite terrace.

Courtesy of Katikies.

One of Canaves Oia’s neighbors in Santorini, Katikies, is expanding to the other marquee island, Mykonos, opening on June 1. Located overlooking the beach on the Agios Ioannis peninsula with a view of the island of Delos across the calm waters, the resort will have 35 rooms and suites decorated in the classic Greek colors of blue and white all with private terraces containing Jacuzzis or pools. There will also be three restaurants including a champagne bar, butler service and 24 hour concierge service available anywhere on the island through a mobile phone provided by the hotel.

The unspoiled, beachfront setting of Calilo on the island of Ios.

Courtesy of Calilo.

Elsewhere in the Cyclades, the island of Ios had a long held reputation as a party island but that image has been transitioning due to the emergence of luxury hotels the last few years bringing in a more sophisticated clientele. The couple behind it, Angelos and Vassiliki Michalopoulos bought a quarter of the island ten years ago to preserve it from extensive construction and mass tourism and are now beginning to selectively build on part of the land. The most ambitious new hotel, scheduled to open in late summer, is Calilo, set on 1000 acres with a private beach of approximately the same size. There will be 30 suites, a spa and wellness center, water sports and three restaurants with vegetables sourced from the resort’s organic garden. And if it’s all too peaceful and guests want to check in on the social scene in town, transfers are available by boat.